Conserve Water, Save Money

Fort Lauderdale's utility director, Greg Kisela, wants to spread that philosophy to residents if a proposed change in water rates is accepted by city commissioners next month.

The proposal would switch water billing from the flat charge of $1.47 per 1,000 gallons to an increasing block rate, where the price varies depending on the amount of water used.

The basic charge also would change when most of the cost is shifted toward usage, although final figures for those fixed rates have not yet been determined.

"We are lowering fixed rates in most categories [single-family, multi-family and irrigation services) to give customers the opportunity to have a reduced bill if they conserve water," said Kisela.

Under the proposed rate for single-family homes, residents using fewer than 3,000 gallons a month will pay 76 cents per 1,000, but those using more than 8,000 will pay $1.93. The average home uses fewer than 10,000 gallons a month, Kisela said.

People who limit their water use to activities such as flushing the toilet, using the washing machine, taking showers and washing the dishes should see reductions of about $3 a month in their water bills.

Those who excessively water their lawns and leave the hose running while washing their car every Saturday afternoon might notice their bill jump almost $6 a month.

"Two-thirds of all single-family homes will see a reduction in their water bills, while the remaining third will see an increase," Kisela said.

The new rate is the result of rules set by the South Florida Water Management District. Several cities in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach counties already have complied.

"We want to discourage people from dumping excessive amounts of water on their cars and lawn by having them pay a higher price for their water," Kisela said. "We don't want to penalize anyone for their daily use, but if you use water excessively ... we want you to pay more for that."

The proposed rate change will not alter revenue into the city, but will reduce daily water consumption by 1 percent, which translates to 500,000 gallons, he said. Rates will not change for commercial/business usage because of the varied types of customers.

Those with irrigation meters will see the largest increase in their bills. Using 100,000 gallons or more a month will cost an additional $50.

"We have customers who use 100,000 to 150,000 gallons a month on their yard and, if this new rate takes effect, they will pay a lot more for that use," Kisela said. "Of course, there will always be those people who don't care how much they pay and will continue to water their lawn every other day."

The public will have a chance to voice their opinions on Dec. 5, when city commissioners are expected to vote on the first reading. If the proposal also passes on the second reading, which is scheduled for Dec. 19, the new rate will not take effect until after January.